Hanley signs new Leigh Leopards deal

Umyla Hanley has had a fine start to the season for Leigh Leopards

Umyla Hanley has signed a new two-year contract with Leigh Leopards.

The winger has been rewarded for a prolific start to the season having scored 10 tries, including hat-tricks in successive games against Featherstone Rovers and Salford Red Devils.

Hanley is the 22-year-old son of rugby league legend Ellery and joined Leigh last year after spending two seasons at Wigan Warriors.

He also scored five tries in five matches for Rochdale Hornets on loan in the Championship last season.

Leigh head of rugby Chris Chester told the club website: “Umyla has been outstanding this year and it’s very exciting to have the prospect of watching his development at close quarters.

“In his first year at our club in 2023 he found his opportunities limited due to the great form of Josh Charnley and Tom Briscoe.

“Umyla came back on the first day of pre-season with a great attitude and was one of our pre-eminent trainers over the winter. He’s now reaping the rewards of all that hard work.

“He’s got great footwork, good hands, he’s strong, athletic, agile and elusive and he does the hard work out of yardage. He’s shown he’s a great finisher, but his work-rate is a big factor in his game as well."

Hanley stepped into the side this season when Briscoe was injured.